Holloman Air Force Base, situated in the Tularosa Basin of south-central New Mexico, approximately 6 miles west of Alamogordo, is a vital installation under Air Education and Training Command (AETC). With a rich history in aerospace research and development, including pioneering rocket sled tests, Holloman AFB has evolved into a premier training center for America’s combat aircrews. Its location offers vast, clear airspace ideal for complex training operations and is adjacent to the unique landscape of White Sands National Park.

The host unit, the 49th Wing, is dedicated to “Forging the Sword and Shield of the Nation” by training world-class F-16 Viper fighter pilots and MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators. These skilled aviators and RPA professionals are critical to maintaining U.S. air superiority and global ISR capabilities. The wing’s rigorous training programs prepare graduates for immediate integration into combat Air Forces worldwide, ensuring they are proficient in the latest tactics and technologies.

Holloman AFB’s mission extends beyond initial skills training; it also supports various test and evaluation activities, leveraging its extensive airspace and proximity to the White Sands Missile Range. The base is home to specialized units like the 635th Materiel Maintenance Group, which supports deployable BEAR base assets, further enhancing the Air Force’s global response capabilities. The climate and geography provide a unique operating environment for both manned and remotely piloted aircraft.

Military personnel, students, and their families stationed at Holloman AFB experience life in a high desert environment, with the city of Alamogordo providing local community support. The base itself fosters a strong sense of community, focused on its critical training mission. Holloman AFB continues its legacy of excellence, producing exceptionally skilled aircrew and RPA professionals ready to defend national interests.